Cable TV Support

How can I tell if I have an internal digital QAM Tuner?

Quadrature Amplitude Modulation (QAM) is similar to Amplitude Modulation (AM) or Frequency Modulation (FM). With the QAM tuner, users can connect their cable directly to their TV and watch any digital and/or HD cable station that is not encrypted1 without the use of a set-top box. Most HD or digital TVs sold after 2006 have an internal digital QAM tuner. Check your owner's manual. A good place to start is in the specifications section. Look for QAM tuner capabilities in the area with antennas and tuners.

On your TV remote control, a dot (.) or dash (-) on the remote is normally used during the tuning process. If the TV remote has a dot or dash, the TV probably has a internal digital QAM tuner. Check your manual for scanning or manual channel instructions. If you no longer have the owner's manual, you may find it on the TV manufacturers' website.

1QAM tuners do not work in all locations; some locations are full-encryption, which requires Midco® cable equipment.